The intense pulmonary microvasculature branching runs parallel with lung development; however, detailed understanding of their interactions and interactions with various growth factors is elusive (www.emedicine.com).
What causes BPD is unique to each neonatal situation. However, high levels of extra oxygen can harm the lungs, cause inflammation, and slow or stop the lung growth in babies born very early. Babies who need a high level of extra oxygen for a period of time may develop BPD. Babies who cannot breathe on their own have breathing failure. Many of these babies are put on a breathing machine to help them breathe. The pressure that the machine uses to push the air can irritate the airways and the lungs and cause them to become more inflamed. Also babies can be exposed to infections both in the womb and after birth. Infections in babies born early can harm their less formed lungs and cause them to become inflamed. Lung infections also increase the baby's need for extra oxygen (www.nhlbi.nih.gov.health/dci/Diseases/BPD/Bpd_WhatIs.html.).
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Usually the baby is put on a breathing machine for supportive care. Also the baby may have been treated with extra surfactant previously to stimulate the lung lining. There are other medicines to help with inflammation and reduce swollen airways such as steroids but the main focus should be on maintaining the baby's overall health and well-being. This means allowing for regular feedings either manually or intravenously. It is also very important the parents maintain contact with their child as to develop a bond with touch and affection (www.nhlbi.nih.gov.health/dci/Diseases/BPD/Bpd_WhatIs.html.).
Works Cited:
Driscoll, W. (2003). Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Emedicine. Retrieved February
3, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http;//www.emedicine.com.PED/topic289.htm.
What is Bronchopulmonary Dyplasia? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and Conditions Index. Retrieved February 3, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.
nhlbi.nih.gov.health/dci/Diseases/Bpd/Bpd_WhatIs.html.
